Pet insurance can be a minefield. It is not until you need to make a claim that you will find out how good your policy is.

We are unable to make recommendations as to which company to use, but what we can advise is that you make sure that you are aware of the cover provided eg annual versus life cover, excesses and maximum amounts claimable per condition.  

Also, once you have a policy in place, to remain with that company. Unlike car insurance, it does not pay to shop around on renewal date as the cover provided will most likely change due to any claims made and the age of the animal.

A life cover policy will cover each condition for as long as you continue renewing the policy

An annual policy will cover each condition for one policy year only. When you renew the policy they will stop paying for any pre-existing conditions eg arthritis

The excess, or amount, that you have to personally pay towards each condition can vary hugely. Sometimes you are expected to pay a percentage of the total costs too. You are usually expected to pay an excess on each condition every policy year.

The amount that they will pay you may be an amount for each condition per policy year or a total amount for all conditions added together.

If your animal has an ongoing, or previous illness or problem, it is regarded as a ‘pre-existing condition’. If you change insurance companies during an animals lifetime all pre-existing conditions will be excluded (you will be unable to claim for them). This could include itchy skins, lameness and ear infections.

If your pet is insured and has an illness that may reoccur, it is best to make a claim for the first episode of illness, even though the amount may be below your excess. Some companies will not pay out for subsequent claims for an illness, if a claim was not submitted for the first episode. It is important to remember there will often be a time limit on claims and it is prudent to submit them regularly. 

If your pet requires specialist surgery and we refer it, a claim form will be needed by us and the specialist.

Routine surgery / treatment is not usually covered by insurance this can include, neutering (unless on health grounds), dental work (unless a broken/abscessed tooth), pregnancy, dietary requirements, house visits, cremation fees, flea and worming treatments.

If your pet has an ongoing illness with frequent appointments and drugs required, remember to claim on your Policy on a regular basis. This is where a lifetime policy comes into its own. 

We have also been made aware of some companies completely excluding certain parts of the body. In one case anything to do with the mouth, including tumours and trauma. Please check and double check all small print exclusions before taking out a Policy.

We will submit your claim for you. This is a free service we provide.

Contact your Insurer to inform them you are making a claim.  

Your insurer will advise you if they accept claims as:

Hard copy

Bring a claim form to us: complete your policy number, personal details, the animals name, when you first noted a problem, sign the form, and leave it at reception

The same as for a hard copy above

Give them our email address: insurance@ashcroftvet.co.uk they will contact us direct.

We will complete your claim form and submit along with all associated invoices and clinical history. A member of our team processes insurances on a weekly basis.

If your claim is accepted, payment will be made directly to you, less any excesses that may apply. This can sometimes take up to six weeks.

Tell us that your pet is insured

Check your policy

Contact with insurer as soon as possible

Ascertain how claims are to be submitted

Let us know how a claim is to be submitted